Skip to main content
Top
Gepubliceerd in:

23-10-2017 | REVIEW

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Effects of Meditation on Empathy, Compassion, and Prosocial Behaviors

Auteurs: Christina M. Luberto, Nina Shinday, Rhayun Song, Lisa L. Philpotts, Elyse R. Park, Gregory L. Fricchione, Gloria Y. Yeh

Gepubliceerd in: Mindfulness | Uitgave 3/2018

Log in om toegang te krijgen
share
DELEN

Deel dit onderdeel of sectie (kopieer de link)

  • Optie A:
    Klik op de rechtermuisknop op de link en selecteer de optie “linkadres kopiëren”
  • Optie B:
    Deel de link per e-mail

Abstract

Increased attention has focused on methods to increase empathy, compassion, and prosocial behavior. Meditation practices have traditionally been used to cultivate prosocial outcomes, and recently investigations have sought to evaluate their efficacy for these outcomes. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of meditation for prosocial emotions and behavior. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Embase, and Cochrane databases (inception to April 2016) using the following search terms: mindfulness, meditation, mind-body therapies, tai chi, yoga, MBSR, MBCT, empathy, compassion, love, altruism, sympathy, or kindness. Randomized controlled trials in any population were included (26 studies with 1714 subjects). Most were conducted among healthy adults (n = 11) using compassion or loving kindness meditation (n = 18) over 8–12 weeks (n = 12) in a group format (n = 17). Most control groups were wait-list or no treatment (n = 15). Outcome measures included self-reported emotions (e.g., composite scores, validated measures) and observed behavioral outcomes (e.g., helping behavior in real-world and simulated settings). Many studies showed a low risk of bias. Results demonstrated small to medium effects of meditation on self-reported (SMD = .40, p < .001) and observable outcomes (SMD = .45, p < .001) and suggest psychosocial and neurophysiological mechanisms of action. Subgroup analyses also supported small to medium effects of meditation even when compared to active control groups. Clinicians and meditation teachers should be aware that meditation can improve positive prosocial emotions and behaviors.
Bijlagen
Alleen toegankelijk voor geautoriseerde gebruikers
Literatuur
go back to reference Asuero, A. M., Queraltó, J. M., Pujol-Ribera, E., Berenguera, A., Rodriguez-Blanco, T., & Epstein, R. M. (2014). Effectiveness of a mindfulness education program in primary health care professionals: a pragmatic controlled trial. Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions, 34(1), 4–12. https://doi.org/10.1002/chp.21211.CrossRefPubMed Asuero, A. M., Queraltó, J. M., Pujol-Ribera, E., Berenguera, A., Rodriguez-Blanco, T., & Epstein, R. M. (2014). Effectiveness of a mindfulness education program in primary health care professionals: a pragmatic controlled trial. Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions, 34(1), 4–12. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1002/​chp.​21211.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Borenstein, M., Hedges, L., Higgins, J., & Rothstein, H. (2014). Comprehensive meta-analysis version 3.0 [computer software]. Englewood: Biostat. Borenstein, M., Hedges, L., Higgins, J., & Rothstein, H. (2014). Comprehensive meta-analysis version 3.0 [computer software]. Englewood: Biostat.
go back to reference Esch, T., Fricchione, G. L., & Stefano, G. B. (2003). The therapeutic use of the relaxation response in stress-related diseases. Medical Science Monitor, 9(2), RA23–RA34.PubMed Esch, T., Fricchione, G. L., & Stefano, G. B. (2003). The therapeutic use of the relaxation response in stress-related diseases. Medical Science Monitor, 9(2), RA23–RA34.PubMed
go back to reference Fricchione, G. L. (2011). Compassion and healing in medicine and society: on the nature and use of attachment solutions to separation challenges. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. Fricchione, G. L. (2011). Compassion and healing in medicine and society: on the nature and use of attachment solutions to separation challenges. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press.
go back to reference Goldstein, J., & Kornfield, J. (2001). Seeking the heart of wisdom: the path of insight meditation. Boston: Shambala. Goldstein, J., & Kornfield, J. (2001). Seeking the heart of wisdom: the path of insight meditation. Boston: Shambala.
go back to reference Higgins, J. P., & Green, S. (Eds.). (2008). Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions (version 5.0.0). Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell. Higgins, J. P., & Green, S. (Eds.). (2008). Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions (version 5.0.0). Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.
go back to reference Hill-Soderlund, A. L., Mills-Koonce, W. R., Propper, C., Calkins, S. D., Granger, D. A., Moore, G. A., … & Cox, M. J. (2008). Parasympathetic and sympathetic responses to the strange situation in infants and mothers from avoidant and securely attached dyads. Developmental Psychobiology, 50(4), 361–376. https://doi.org/10.1002/dev.20302. Hill-Soderlund, A. L., Mills-Koonce, W. R., Propper, C., Calkins, S. D., Granger, D. A., Moore, G. A., … & Cox, M. J. (2008). Parasympathetic and sympathetic responses to the strange situation in infants and mothers from avoidant and securely attached dyads. Developmental Psychobiology, 50(4), 361–376. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1002/​dev.​20302.
go back to reference Hofmann, S. G., Sawyer, A. T., Witt, A. A., & Oh, D. (2010). The effect of mindfulness-based therapy on anxiety and depression: a meta-analytic review. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 78(2), 169–183.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Hofmann, S. G., Sawyer, A. T., Witt, A. A., & Oh, D. (2010). The effect of mindfulness-based therapy on anxiety and depression: a meta-analytic review. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 78(2), 169–183.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
go back to reference Hurst, C. E., Gibbon, H. M. F., & Nurse, A. M. (2016). Social inequality: forms, causes, and consequences. New York: Routledge. Hurst, C. E., Gibbon, H. M. F., & Nurse, A. M. (2016). Social inequality: forms, causes, and consequences. New York: Routledge.
go back to reference Ironson, G. (2007). Altruism and health in HIV. In S. G. Post (Ed.), Altruism and health: perspectives from empirical research (pp. 70–81). New York: Oxford University Press.CrossRef Ironson, G. (2007). Altruism and health in HIV. In S. G. Post (Ed.), Altruism and health: perspectives from empirical research (pp. 70–81). New York: Oxford University Press.CrossRef
go back to reference Jazaieri, H., Jinpa, G. T., McGonigal, K., Rosenberg, E. L., Finkelstein, J., Simon-Thomas, E., … & Goldin, P. R. (2013). Enhancing compassion: a randomized controlled trial of a compassion cultivation training program. Journal of Happiness Studies, 14(4), 1113–1126. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-012-9373-z. Jazaieri, H., Jinpa, G. T., McGonigal, K., Rosenberg, E. L., Finkelstein, J., Simon-Thomas, E., … & Goldin, P. R. (2013). Enhancing compassion: a randomized controlled trial of a compassion cultivation training program. Journal of Happiness Studies, 14(4), 1113–1126. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1007/​s10902-012-9373-z.
go back to reference Kemeny, M. E., Foltz, C., Cavanagh, J. F., Cullen, M., Giese-Davis, J., Jennings, P., & … Ekman, P. (2012). Contemplative/emotion training reduces negative emotional behavior and promotes prosocial responses. Emotion, 12(2), 338–350. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0026118. Kemeny, M. E., Foltz, C., Cavanagh, J. F., Cullen, M., Giese-Davis, J., Jennings, P., & … Ekman, P. (2012). Contemplative/emotion training reduces negative emotional behavior and promotes prosocial responses. Emotion, 12(2), 338–350. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1037/​a0026118.
go back to reference Kirby, J. N. (2017). Compassion interventions: the programmes, the evidence, and implications for research and practice. Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice, 90(3), 432–455. Kirby, J. N. (2017). Compassion interventions: the programmes, the evidence, and implications for research and practice. Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice, 90(3), 432–455.
go back to reference Kok, B. E., Coffey, K. A., Cohn, M. A., Catalino, L. I., Vacharkulksemsuk, T., Algoe, S. B., & … Fredrickson, B. L. (2013). How positive emotions build physical health: perceived positive social connections account for the upward spiral between positive emotions and vagal tone. Psychological Science, 24(7), 1123–1132. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797612470827. Kok, B. E., Coffey, K. A., Cohn, M. A., Catalino, L. I., Vacharkulksemsuk, T., Algoe, S. B., & … Fredrickson, B. L. (2013). How positive emotions build physical health: perceived positive social connections account for the upward spiral between positive emotions and vagal tone. Psychological Science, 24(7), 1123–1132. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1177/​0956797612470827​.
go back to reference Lazarus, R. S. (1991). Emotion and adaptation. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Lazarus, R. S. (1991). Emotion and adaptation. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
go back to reference Liberati, A., Altman, D. G., Tetzlaff, J., Mulrow, C., Gøtzsche, P. C., Ioannidis, J. P., & … Moher, D. (2009). The PRISMA statement for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses of studies that evaluate health care interventions: explanation and elaboration. Annals of Internal Medicine, 151(4), W65–W94. Liberati, A., Altman, D. G., Tetzlaff, J., Mulrow, C., Gøtzsche, P. C., Ioannidis, J. P., & … Moher, D. (2009). The PRISMA statement for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses of studies that evaluate health care interventions: explanation and elaboration. Annals of Internal Medicine, 151(4), W65–W94.
go back to reference Mikulincer, M., Shaver, P. R., Gillath, O., & Nitzberg, R. A. (2005). Attachment, caregiving, and altruism: boosting attachment security increases compassion and helping. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 89(5), 817–839.CrossRefPubMed Mikulincer, M., Shaver, P. R., Gillath, O., & Nitzberg, R. A. (2005). Attachment, caregiving, and altruism: boosting attachment security increases compassion and helping. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 89(5), 817–839.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Nydahl, L. O. (2008). The way things are: a living approach to Buddhism for today’s world. Alresford: John Hunt Publishing. Nydahl, L. O. (2008). The way things are: a living approach to Buddhism for today’s world. Alresford: John Hunt Publishing.
go back to reference Piet, J., Würtzen, H., & Zachariae, R. (2012). The effect of mindfulness-based therapy on symptoms of anxiety and depression in adult cancer patients and survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 80(6), 1007–1020. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0028329.CrossRefPubMed Piet, J., Würtzen, H., & Zachariae, R. (2012). The effect of mindfulness-based therapy on symptoms of anxiety and depression in adult cancer patients and survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 80(6), 1007–1020. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1037/​a0028329.CrossRefPubMed
go back to reference Poehlmann-Tynan, J., Vigna, A. B., Weymouth, L. A., Gerstein, E. D., Burnson, C., Zabransky, M., & … Zahn-Waxler, C. (2016). A pilot study of contemplative practices with economically disadvantaged preschoolers: children’s empathic and self-regulatory behaviors. Mindfulness, 7(1), 46–58. https://doi.org/10.1007/s1261-015-0426-3. Poehlmann-Tynan, J., Vigna, A. B., Weymouth, L. A., Gerstein, E. D., Burnson, C., Zabransky, M., & … Zahn-Waxler, C. (2016). A pilot study of contemplative practices with economically disadvantaged preschoolers: children’s empathic and self-regulatory behaviors. Mindfulness, 7(1), 46–58. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1007/​s1261-015-0426-3.
go back to reference Rosenberg, E. L., Zanesco, A. P., King, B. G., Aichele, S. R., Jacobs, T. L., Bridwell, D. A., & … Saron, C. D. (2015). Intensive meditation training influences emotional responses to suffering. Emotion (Washington, D.C.), 15(6), 775–790. https://doi.org/10.1037/emo0000080. Rosenberg, E. L., Zanesco, A. P., King, B. G., Aichele, S. R., Jacobs, T. L., Bridwell, D. A., & … Saron, C. D. (2015). Intensive meditation training influences emotional responses to suffering. Emotion (Washington, D.C.), 15(6), 775–790. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1037/​emo0000080.
go back to reference Schonert-Reichl, K. A., Oberle, E., Lawlor, M. S., Abbott, D., Thomson, K., Oberlander, T. F., & Diamond, A. (2015). Enhancing cognitive and social–emotional development through a simple-to-administer mindfulness-based school program for elementary school children: a randomized controlled trial. Developmental Psychology, 51(1), 52–66. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0038454.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Schonert-Reichl, K. A., Oberle, E., Lawlor, M. S., Abbott, D., Thomson, K., Oberlander, T. F., & Diamond, A. (2015). Enhancing cognitive and social–emotional development through a simple-to-administer mindfulness-based school program for elementary school children: a randomized controlled trial. Developmental Psychology, 51(1), 52–66. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1037/​a0038454.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
go back to reference Sears, R. W., Tirch, D. D., & Denton, R. B. (2011). Mindfulness in clinical practice. New York: Professional Resource Exchange. Sears, R. W., Tirch, D. D., & Denton, R. B. (2011). Mindfulness in clinical practice. New York: Professional Resource Exchange.
go back to reference Segal, Z., Williams, J., & Teasdale, J. (2012). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression (2nd ed.). New York: Guilford. Segal, Z., Williams, J., & Teasdale, J. (2012). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression (2nd ed.). New York: Guilford.
go back to reference Taylor, C., Harrison, J., Haimovitz, K., Oberle, E., Thomson, K., Schonert-Reichl, K., & … Roeser, R. W. (2015). Examining ways that a mindfulness-based intervention reduces stress in public school teachers: a mixed-methods study. Mindfulness, 7(1), 115–129. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-015-0425-4. Taylor, C., Harrison, J., Haimovitz, K., Oberle, E., Thomson, K., Schonert-Reichl, K., & … Roeser, R. W. (2015). Examining ways that a mindfulness-based intervention reduces stress in public school teachers: a mixed-methods study. Mindfulness, 7(1), 115–129. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1007/​s12671-015-0425-4.
go back to reference Wallace, B. A. (1999). Boundless heart: cultivation of the four immeasurables. Boston: Snow Lion Publications. Wallace, B. A. (1999). Boundless heart: cultivation of the four immeasurables. Boston: Snow Lion Publications.
Metagegevens
Titel
A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Effects of Meditation on Empathy, Compassion, and Prosocial Behaviors
Auteurs
Christina M. Luberto
Nina Shinday
Rhayun Song
Lisa L. Philpotts
Elyse R. Park
Gregory L. Fricchione
Gloria Y. Yeh
Publicatiedatum
23-10-2017
Uitgeverij
Springer US
Gepubliceerd in
Mindfulness / Uitgave 3/2018
Print ISSN: 1868-8527
Elektronisch ISSN: 1868-8535
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-017-0841-8